Noss primary pupils recreate Lowry painting at Wick's Black Stairs
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Wick primary school pupils staged a re-enactment of a painting by a famous artist when they took part in a heritage walk around Pulteneytown this week.
The primary four youngsters from Noss Primary School stopped off at the Black Stairs and arranged themselves in a similar way to figures who were depicted at the steps by L S Lowry in 1937.
They also learned about other aspects of the area's history and had a photo opportunity at the shortest street in the world.
The school linked up with volunteers from Wick Heritage Museum.
While the museum was closed last summer, a conscious effort was made to share information beyond the museum walls. This led to the promotion of a Wick Heritage Trail, with information about various points of interest being shared through the Wick Society's website and social media.
A request for information about the Bank Row bombing in World War II led to the Noss class taking part in a modified Wick Heritage Trail specifically designed for children.
They were guided by Wick Society chairman Ian Leith and his wife Doreen, who is also a volunteer.
Wick railway station, which opened in 1874, was the starting point for the walk. After discovering information about the statues of Dr John Alexander and James T Calder, the pupils looked at the Smith fountain at the riverside and the nearby "distinguished visitors" plaque.
The youngsters proved to be experts about the significance of Ebenezer Place at the corner of Mackays Hotel and were delighted when hotelier Murray Lamont joined them for a picture as they crowded into the world's shortest street.
Walking along Union Street, the children shared their knowledge of civil engineer Thomas Telford, the building of Pulteneytown and the development of the harbour.
At the Black Stairs the group were met by photographer and Wick Society volunteer Fergus Mather, who photographed the children recreating the Lowry painting.
The trail ended with an exploration of the Bank Row memorial garden, where the children discovered information about the Bank Row air raid of 1940.
Class teacher Melissa MacGregor said: “This term P4 have been learning about Wick for their class topic. The children are very interested in the history of Wick, especially the harbour, the Black Stairs and the Bank Row bombing.
"For an art lesson, children created their own drawing of the famous L S Lowry painting. Doreen and Ian were fantastic helping me with this project and arranged a Wick Heritage Trail for Peedie Fowk.
"The class thoroughly enjoyed the trip and were delighted at recreating the famous Lowry painting.”
Doreen Leith said: “I was so impressed by the knowledge and enthusiasm of the children as they asked and answered questions along the way. It is refreshing to know that our heritage is being passed on to future generations.
"We hope to repeat the trail with another class from Noss Primary School next week.”
